What disturbs me is what wasn't included in Petreaus' report ... American troops are affecting the level of violence where troop strength has been increased ... but ... in areas where no increases have been accomplished, the level of violence continues unabated. Petraeus seemed to gloss over the actions (or lack of action), on the part of the Iraqi government to make even the slightest effort to resolve the sectarian differences which are leading to the sectarian violence that continues.
Amb. Crocker has painted a verbal picture of the Iraqi people who generally believe that the Americans are not doing their jobs and responsible for much of the violence because of their presence at levels which are too low to handle the violence ... they are also skeptical that the American troops are having the effect that Petreaus reports.
Between you and me, I am not sure just which report is the more accurate.
All I know, is the fact that the Middle East experts have continuously stated that a military solution alone is not sufficient ... a political resolution of sectarian differences must be brokered before the Iraqi government and the Iraqi people have a chance of peace - this is the ONLY thing that can ensure a safe withdrawl of our troops.
__________________ Fair winds and following seas > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >  < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < and long may your big jib draw. -W.R.B. (Chief Bones) FCC(SW) USN(RET)- |